I was thinking about starting a thread about this myself. Interesting that it's gone under the radar somewhat.

It really shows that the ICC didn't have any particular problem with Hair's umpiring, he was merely an unpopular figure. 95% accuracy is phenomenal with all the pressures of test cricket, and certainly it's difficult to claim that he wasn't a very good umpire, especially with the likes of Bucknor around. Not the most likable guy, but good at his job.

A True Champion - Bob. Rest in peace. 15/04/06"People today have too big a devil and too small a God"
- Stephen Currie"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

The executive branch of the ICC have made it obvious throughout this whole affair that Hair has their support. It's the fact that 7 member countries voted him off the panel that caused all the furore. I wouldn't mind clarification on whether NZ and Eng abstained, as was reported in some papers, rather than voting in his favor - which would mean that only Australia voted for his retention. And whatever you think of that decision, it's clear that Hair was not removed on the basis of poor LBW or caught behind calls.

I noticed in the first few lines that the phrase "the mandarins of Dubai" was used, and sure enough, this is Robert Craddock. who also wrote about the "Chilling Rule of Asian Overlords" on this issue a week or two ago. I personally would be cautious initially about the claims Craddock makes, as I have frequently felt he is a personal friend of Hair's, but in any case, if he has the report, he should produce it, or at least, the relevant excerpts that explain what he's referring to.

Either way, I do believe the executive branch to be completely incompetent, so it wouldn't amaze me to see such an assertion being made when it comes to the glowing praise - even most of his defenders at this forum seem not to rate his umpiring ability particularly highly or his affinity for common sense for that matter.

"Youre known for having a liking for men who look like women."
- Linda

"FFS I'm sick and tired of having to see a bloke bend over to pick something up or lean over and see their arse crack. For christ's sake pull your pants up or buy some underpants you bogan because nobody want's to see it. And this is a boat building shed (well one of them) not a porn studio."
- Craig